Adjuvant Photodynamic Therapy to Reduce Infections in High-Energy Open Fractures
Official title: Adjuvant Photodynamic Therapy to Reduce Bacterial Bioburden in High-Energy Contaminated Open Fractures
Funded at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · NIH-11401967 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test a light-activated treatment added to standard care to lower bacterial load and prevent infections after serious open bone injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lebanon, United States) |
| Project start | September 7, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $455,231 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081952-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401967 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with high-energy open fractures at risk of infection and suitable for additional adjuvant therapy as part of their treatment plan.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fractures that are already well-controlled or have contraindications to photodynamic therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at using photodynamic therapy as an extra step alongside current fracture care to kill remaining bacteria in contaminated high-energy open fractures. It will optimize parameters, such as light exposure and photosensitizers, to maximize bacterial reduction without harming tissue. The study is designed to inform future steps toward translating this approach to human patients who have open fractures and implants. Researchers at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic will model the approach in relevant systems and assess safety and effectiveness for potential clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience fewer infections after open fractures, leading to quicker recovery and better long-term function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in related infection-control approaches show promise for PDT, but translation to open fracture care is novel and requires validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
Lebanon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elliott, Jonathan T — Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic
- Study coordinator: Elliott, Jonathan T
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.